Thula Khuzwayo — Down but not yet out!

Thulasizwe Khuzwayo is one of the ‘forgotten’ names in professional football today. The man from the township of KwaMakhutha, South of Durban, tells us about how it was a painful experience to watch his career end prematurely, and that he’s still contribution to football development.

A product of the Orlando Pirates development. He joined Pirates at a very young age and went up the ranks until he joined first team through their feeder team in the Vodacom league, Yebo Yes FC. He was then promoted to first team in 2007 but was soon transfer listed. “I was quickly snatched by Lamontville Golden Arrows’ late boss, Rocky Madlala, to join a young, dynamic, enthusiastic and stylish Arrows team.”

Thula was more of an understudy to Helton De Rocha, Brazilian shot stopper. Something he felt could not have happened at Pirates, due to the number and the quality of the goalkeepers who were there at the time. He was also on the bench on that historic night in Orlando when Coach Manqoba Mngqithi's Golden Arrows side hammered Ajax Cape Town 6-0 in the MTN 8 final.

At Golden Arrows, he played over well 30 ABSA Premiership games and won two man of the match awards. Thula was steadily making his mark in the PSL. He definitely looked like a player who was ready to be as big as his friend, the late Senzo Meyiwa.

However, upon the expiry of his Arrows contract in 2011, things went south for him. “I never thought my contract was not going to be renewed,” he tells DiskiRamble. He then went to the Mpumalanga Province to join the now defunct Sivutsa Stars, who were still plying their trade in the NFD at the time.

“I didn’t sign at Sivutsa. I had just had a baby, and wanted to be closer to my child, and I went to Ama-Tuks instead, but it didn’t work out for me.” Injuries began to affect his training and confidence. He was not the same, and was definitely falling out of love with the game at the same time.

“once you get to the NFD, it’s almost impossible to get back to the big league.” Platinum Stars took him on board and Thula thought his career was going to be revived. However, Platinum Stars immediately sent him out on loan to Atlie FC, their feeder team in the ABC Motsepe league. It was a case of lightning striking twice, because that’s how he initially started at Pirates. Thula realized after several hand operations that he cannot compete at the highest level anymore. “For a goalkeeper, to go through few operations, especially hand operations, it symbolizes the end for you. I just couldn’t compete confidently anymore.”

As things continued not to fall in his favour, Thula felt there’s no place like home. He returned to where his love for football began, KwaMakhutha Township. “I went back home to join Happy Wanderers and later, EThekwini Coastals, an ABC Motsepe league team owned by the current Golden Arrows MDC team coach, Lindani Shezi.”

Lindani Shezi is a well known talent scout in KZN. He has coached the South African National Beach Soccer Team at AFCON level. He is famous for producing players such as Sandile Zuke, Siyanda Xulu, Njabulo Manqana and others.

Now 37, ‘M’Too Much’ is enjoying his time in KwaMakhutha where he helps academies by doing goalkeeper training, and continues to keep fit by playing in Durban South Masters’ Sunday League. “Being bitter about how my career ended couldn’t help me. I have now found joy helping others be at their best and get a shot at PSL football.”

Article By: Pro_Philani